1 Perspective Shifts during the Development of Chinese Diplomacy: From Revolution and Nationalism to Development and Globalization

Abstract

This chapter examines the perspective shifts in China's foreign policy throughout the more than 60 years since the establishment of the People's Republic of China. The essential ideas of China's foreign policy, independence and peace, were put forth early after the establishment of this new China. China's foreign policy can be separated into two distinct periods, divided at the beginning of the reform and opening-up in 1978: the first 30 years, in response to new diplomatic circumstances, established normal relations with countries around the world, maintained national sovereignty and security, and established the foundation for later developments; and the last 30 years, during which time China's basic diplomatic principles underwent major changes. China abandoned the revolutionary ideological perspective in examining and resolving diplomatic issues, and no longer played the role of challenger to the existing international order, instead consciously and actively joining the system to pursue its own development goals. Keywords: China's basic diplomatic principles; China's foreign policy; national sovereignty; People's Republic of China